RSMG buys IFM group of sports research companies

The two IFM companies will continue to trade in their respective markets as operating businesses of RSMG, which also owns brand analysis and research agency Repucom and Germany’s Sport+Markt.

RSMG CEO Paul Smith said: “Our goal is to create a transparent, comparable global platform for sponsorship valuation and research. With this merger, we are firmly on course to achieve that.”

Following the acquisition, IFM Sports CEO Oliver Kaiser is to leave the company to form a new strategy and consulting firm in which RSMG will also hold a minority stake.

RSMG was formed in November 2010 with the merger of Repucom and Sport+Markt. It is backed by New York-based investors GF Capital Private Equity Fund.